Tanner Mordecai has been Wisconsin’s starting quarterback all season long and helped guide the Badgers to a 4-2 start. Unfortunately, he was injured in the loss to Iowa and did not return.

As he was coming off the field, Mordecai was mouthing the words “I can’t throw” while gesturing to his right hand. A later replay showed Mordecai scrambling and hitting his throwing hand on the helmet of an Iowa defender prior to leaving action.

That scary scene has materialized in a potentially worst-case scenario for Mordecai. According to ESPN’s Pete Thamel, Mordecai suffered a broken hand against the Hawkeyes and needed surgery on Sunday to insert a pin.

Thamel went on to say Mordecai is certainly out for the “immediate future” but a specific timeline on the QB’s return is currently unclear.

Mordecai has started every game for Wisconsin this season and was completing 63.7% of his passes for 1,128 yards with 3 touchdowns and 3 interceptions. He also had 4 rushing touchdowns prior to his injury.

Without Mordecai, the Badgers turned to Braedyn Locke as he completed 15-of-30 passes for 122 yards and an interception against Iowa.

We’ll see how Wisconsin adjusts with a game against Illinois on tap for Week 8. Along with Mordecai now sidelined, the Badgers are also without Chez Mellusi after a previous season-ending injury for the running back.